Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Quantum wins 1st TP52 race in Portimao

[Source: AUDI Medcup] Quantum Racing recaptured their winning ways again on the waters where they last season secured themselves the Audi MedCup Circuit title, as they completed an excellent first race win at the Portugal Trophy off Portimao.

Local hopes sky-rocketed as Portuguese entry Bigamist 7 made a strong start off the pin end of the start line and lead around the windward turn in 8 knots of sea breeze, ahead of Quantum Racing (USA) with Artemis (SWE) in third.

Terry Hutchinson and the Quantum team managed to get down inside Bigamist on the run and were able to round the leeward gate ahead, in the lead. The current overall champions retained their composure nicely on the final ran when Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) enjoyed a close tussle – gybe and counter-gybe – with Artemis.

With all four leading boats overlapped at the finish Quantum Racing took first, with Emirates Team New Zealand stealing second, Artemis getting third and Matador (ARG) in fourth completing a good recovery from seventh place at the first mark.